Matthew Schaefer has each younger hockey participant’s dream inside achieve – to be decided on as the #1 pick out within the draft. The Erie Otters quarterback has been ranked No. 1 via longtime pundit Bob McKenzie. But this isn’t an anomaly, Schaefer seems within the first puts in nearly all editions.
“It’s a great honor, but I have to stay humble,” Schaefer informed TSN. “There are a large number of proficient gamers within the draft and there may be nonetheless a large number of hockey left to be performed. Anything can alternate.’
Schaefer is experiencing each top peaks and painful lows within the OHL. He used to be decided on No. 1 within the 2023 OHL Priority Draft and had 3 targets and 17 issues in 56 video games in his first season. He additionally shone at the world degree, successful gold at 3 prestigious tournaments – the U17 World Hockey Challenge, the Under-18 World Championship and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
However, private tragedies hit his trail. In February 2023, his mom Jennifer died of breast most cancers, simply 3 months after his surrogate mom Emily Matson took her personal existence. Still, Schaefer returned to the ice after simply two weeks.
“I miss him terribly,” Schaefer stated. “She used to be some of the most powerful other folks I do know. She has been via such a lot and can all the time be right here with me. Her energy may be my energy.’
This yr Schaefer were given off to a coarse get started. He ignored the primary 9 video games because of mononucleosis. However, after his go back, he accumulated seven targets and 22 issues in 17 video games. He additionally gave the impression within the fit of the best abilities of america and Canada, the place he scored a purpose and an help in a two-game victory over the American workforce.
The Stoney Creek local used to be considered one of 4 gamers now not but drafted to constitute Canada on the 2025 World Junior Championships. He had a purpose and an help popping out of the match earlier than being sidelined via an harm — a damaged collarbone that may require a minimum of 3 months of restoration.
“Playing for Canada was incredible,” stated Schaefer. “In the Ottawa Senators arena against Finland, I was thinking: Is this even possible? It was a dream come true.”
But destiny continues to play with him. During his participation within the match, the Erie Otters misplaced their proprietor, Jim Waters, who died all at once. “Jim and Sheila Waters were one of the reasons I wanted to come to Erie,” Schaefer admitted. “They would do the rest for the workforce. It used to be an honor to be part of their lives.”
Although the harm most probably ended his season, Schaefer nonetheless sees a chance to develop. “Everything happens for a reason,” he stated. “When I misplaced my mother, I began taking a look at existence otherwise. This is solely any other hurdle to conquer.”
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